Niederberger Maria A.

Maria A. Niederberger was born in Davos in canton Graubünden and grew up in Nidwalden. She studied composition and music theory in Massachusetts and California, USA. Amongst her teachers were Donald Martino (Harvard University), Arthur Berger, Martin Boykan (Brandeis Univerity) and Richard Swift (University of California Davis). As a student she won the O. B. Valente Memorial Prize for Excellence in musical composition and several scholarships. After receiving her doctorate from the Brandeis University she continued her compositional works and taught at American High Schools. Today she is professor at the East Tennessee State University where she teaches music theory and composition.

Work list

Daedaleum (1984)for cello soloThe non-traditional note heads in the notation change with the way of playing (pii, col legno, etc.).Duration: 5' 30"

Concerto for Oboe and Instrumental Ensemble (1999-2000)for oboe solo, flute (piccolo), clarinet, horn, harp, two violins, viola, violoncello and double-bassThis piece is suitable for oboe and ensemble but oboe and a small orchestra is preferable. The oboe is very demanding but the harp and horn also play important parts. Duration: 20' 00"

Aevaw I for Solo Flute (2004)for transverse flute and light percussion (wood bells, two small bells, triangle, rain stick)Rainstick: a North American Indian instrument (or a substitute)
I. Liberamente (In freier Weise)
II. Waves (Wellen)
III. Ancient River (Uralter Fluss)
Poem by Mark Halperin
Besides traditional play this piece also requires the mastering of new tone production such as whistling tones, glissandi, clapper clicks, flatter tongue, coloured sounds etc. In the second movement the poem is partly recited and partly projected onto a screen together with suitable art photography. The piece can be performed fully instrumentally, without projection, as a variation or as required.Duration: 7' 00"Manuscript